You've probably seen people lately wearing what look like thick, colored rubber bands around their wrists. You may even sport a few of these yourself. It seems like every day a new colored band is coming out to help support a cause. Here are just a few:

• Yellow: Originating from Lance Armstrong, this was created to show support for his attempt to win the Tour de France for the sixth time. Now, they are sold to help out the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a cancer survivor support organization.
• Blue: Andy Roddick copied Lance to create a blue band that helps support, what else, but the The Andy Roddick Foundation (notice a pattern yet?), which helps at-risk children.
• White: J-Ideas created these for what it calls " Live Free, First Amendment Awareness."

Not all elastic bands are used by non-profit organizations. These trendy pieces of elastic have become so popular that they are one of the newest fashion statements. So, before you plunk down your cash with the assumption that you're doing your part to save the world while you are also fitting in with the trend setters, do a little homework to find out if a group is behind the bracelet, who they are, and what they are all about.

Find out more from " Wearing Your Heart on Your Wrist."